DM 42

[toml_12953]

(05-26-2017 12:05 AM)Paul Dale Wrote:  

(05-25-2017 05:15 PM)toml_12953 Wrote:  But when the imaginary part is 0 doesn't that mean the number *is* a real?
It seems more intelligent to treat it that way than to mindlessly use complex routines that aren't necessary.

A world of pitfalls lies here. Consider the difference between arcsin(3) and arcsin(3 + 0i). The former should produce a domain error, the latter a result.

A calculator should do exactly what is asked of it, not something that is mostly equivalent.

When there truly is no difference between the two then yes, the real version can be used.

The Prime displays 1.57079632679-1.76274717404*i when asked to calculate ASIN(3). It knows enough to use complex when necessary and reals when possible.

Tom L